USA > New York > The History of New York State Grange, 1934-1960 > Part 5
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"That junk will never come to Port," says the ancient Chinese proverb, "where eight men put to sail and seven want to steer." Annual initial organization duties mean selection of Chairman and Secretary. Consideration is given to appointments: Revolving Scholarship Fund Secretary; Grange Trustee of Cornell Univer- sity; Juvenile Superintendent; new member of Service and Hos- pitality Committee; Grange representative G. L. F .; and others. They select Standing Committees, Audit, Credential and Mileage, Legislative Committee or in late years Legislative Representative, and Publicity Director. Decisions are made as to promotional work, issuance of handbooks,-State Lecturer, Juvenile, Service and Hospitality; amounts to be expended for prizes, and expense allowance for Deputy and Juvenile Deputy forces.
Other items require considered judgment: Selection of annual themes or slogans; arrangements for State Fair, with multiplicity of detail; plans for regional conferences or schools; place and time for Deputy Schools, State Lecturer School, Youth School. In 1935 the cost of State Lecturer Stella Miller's thirty-five regional con- ferences, the Middle-Atlantic Conference and New York Confer- ence was $278.26. In 1959 the total cost for regional conferences, Washington Conference and Lecturers' School was $1,809.14. No criticism is implied in the comparison; difference in travel costs and number of persons who took part made essential changes. This expenditure covers a sizable territory of Grange good and influence.
Inspection trips are necessary to ascertain the most advisable location for the coming State session, and balance made as to re- spective values. Accessibility, comparison of available auditor-
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iums, session committee and exhibit rooms, housing possibility, as well as period of time which has elapsed between sessions in that locality, all enter into final decision. When invitations are received from several cities a number of ballots may be required. In 1934 there were thirteen invitations, and for the 1961 session, six.
In consideration of factors which affect such ballot, let us note session expense comparisons over a period of years: The 1934 Niagara session had 386 delegates. They, the associate delegates, Deputies, Juvenile Deputies, officers and associates traveled 364,356 miles.
Cost of delegates $14,333.80
Cost of officers and associates
818.56
Deputy and Juvenile Deputy groups
2,254.60
Total
$17,408.96
The 1944 Syracuse session reported 362 delegates who, with offi- cers, associates, Deputies and Juvenile Deputies traveled 92,542 miles.
Cost of delegates
$10,055.45
Officers and associates
1,275.31
Deputies and Juvenile Deputies
1,508.40 -
Total
$12,839.16
The 1958 session, Saratoga, records 311 delegates, with total travel for the same groups listed above, 111,623 miles.
Cost of delegates
$10,694.38
Officers and associates
1,520.65
Deputies and Juvenile Deputies
4,881.30
Total
$17,096.33
75 less delegates attended the Saratoga session than the Niagara Falls session. Cost of living has increased greatly, but the comparison is designed to show cost difference according to distance traveled. A value not indicated is publicity, educational and inspirational worth to any section where the State session is held, a definite contribution. The corresponding number of initi- ates must be taken into account. In above tables, no item is in- cluded for innumerable expenses always incident to a conven- tion of one thousand to two thousand people, nor for committee expenses.
The Executive Committee must authorize the State Lecturer's presence at the National Lecturer's Conference, New York City
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or elsewhere; State Master, Lecturer, Secretary, Juvenile Super- intendent, Service and Hospitality Committee Chairman, and Youth Dirctor at Grange Leadership Conference in Washington, Boston or Providence. In 1943 and later years all Subordinate and Pomona Masters, Lecturers and Secretaries, with wives or husbands, were guests of the State Grange at County meetings, to encourage membership, dues collection, understanding, and in 1960 the dangers of integration. These meetings were valuable.
Every detail of importance, amended by-laws, incorporation, National Grange Monthly, bonding of officers, as well as modern advance in rural culture, research and educational values are carefully considered by this alert committee.
Further instructions of the Installing Officer are not taken lightly: "As an Executive Committee, you are responsible for the custody of the invested funds of the Grange." A solemn trust in any Grange, it is never more so than in our own New York State Grange. Figures are audited annually, and found in balance with State Treasurer's and State Secretary's books. This is done by the Standing Audit Committee. Through the years such names as Maurice Trowbridge, Wolcott; Thomas and William Turner, Tully; Willard Ayers, Jamestown; Fred Crampton, Homer; J. Warren Morgan, Lewiston; E. E. Greene, Victor; George Ashley, Copake; Winfield Kelsey, Theresa; Francis Foy, Deer River, and Emory Gast, DeRuyter, all responsible men, are listed on the Audit Committee. The management of our State Farm, the Grange, is a business enterprise.
Our comparison begins with 1934, when a balance of $61,689.29 was shown, deposited and invested in such items as: Peoples' Bank of Hamburg, Marine Trust of Buffalo, National Grange Mutual Liability Units, G.L.F. Holding Corporation Stock, Port of New York Authority Bonds, (Cs), American Telephone and Telegraph, Consolidated Gas of New York, Standard Oil of New York, Kansas City Terminals, Farmers and Traders Life Insurance, Rural Underwriters, etc. Just one item selected for special mention is Liberty Bonds, to the amount of $27,314.48.
1959 shows a like business statement:
Total income from all sources $207,505.94
Less expense checks 184,232.12
Balance on hand October 9, 1959 23,232.82
Previously invested in stocks and bonds
102,478.56
Total balance
$125,711.38
Money invested in Stocks and Bonds was placed in G.L.F. Holding Corporation, Agricultural Insurance Company, Home Insurance Company, Empire Livestock Market, Farmers and
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Traders Life Insurance, G.L.F. Exchange, Capitol District Market of Albany, $28,000 was invested in U. S. Victory and Treasury Bonds. Financial reserves indicate stability. Listed by this Com- mittee, they are kept safely in the State Grange Deposit Box by the heavily bonded State Treasurer. State Officers are, of course, covered by bond.
Salary and expense accounts are tabulated explicitly in Journals of Proceedings. Delegates weary of statistics, but this is the business of the Grange as a whole, and sound business prac- tice. It requires business acumen, as can well be understood, since there is an ancient Rumanian proverb: "Money is round and rolls easily." This can never be true of this State Grange Executive Committee. Every member is alert to safeguard Grange property, and their integrity is beyond question.
Examples of sound investment are: In 1943, $7,400.00 of Re- volving Scholarship Funds were invested in War Bonds for patriotic purpose and Scholarship Fund benefit; in 1953, sixteen shares of Farmers and Traders Life Insurance Stock were pur- chased at $850.00 per share. In 1957 the committee voted to pur- chase 240 shares of National Grange Fire Insurance Company stock at $25.00 per share, 32 shares for the Revolving Scholarship Fund and 208 shares for the State Grange. In 1959 Scholarship Fund investment in United States Victory and Treasury Bonds was $50,000. Thus State Grange resources are put to work to earn money to carry on the enterprises voted by the delegates.
Dependent on committee sanction, New York State Grange pays annually stated amounts for dues or promotion purposes, to groups with aims fully in accord with Grange purposes, such as Chautauqua Association, New York Dairy Exhibits, Inc., High- way Users Conference, New York State Citizens' Council, (of which the State Grange is a corporate member), Rural Church Institute, and National Grange Monthly Foundation. The State Grange shares in the Agricultural Conference Board's "Price Level Chart."
Specific expenditures have included: 1943-$1,000.00 sub- scribed to the Agricultural Conference Board for operating the New York State Agricultural Defense Committee. 1944, $25.00 went to the Council of Rural Education; 1945, $1,000.00 donated to the Dean Carl Ladd Memorial. In 1948, $500.00 was directed for the State Grange share in furnishing the Farm Conference Board Room, Savage Hall, Ithaca, and $50.00 was expended toward the American Agriculturist Grass Silage Contest. In 1950, $100.00 was donated for milk for "Boys' State" held at Col- gate University. In 1954, the State Grange and G.L.F. sponsored a graduate student scholarship for Birdsfoot Trefoil study. We
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paid $200.00. In 1955 the sum of $1,000.00 was donated for the County Agricultural Agents' Professional Improvement Fund.
Over the years the history of promotional expenditure for the Grange has proved a good investment. In 1938 enough money was added to the then existing funds to make it $1,000.00; in 1942, $500.00; 1944, $375.00; in 1948, $7,500.00 was set aside to strengthen weak Granges.
Regional Markets, regional farm research centers, old age insurance, Workmen's Compensation Employer's Insurance and similar projects have been well studied and every effort made to insure a sound program. This is a busy committee, shouldered with great responsibilities.
2. STATE SECRETARY
HAROLD M. STANLEY
In 1915 a young man received his degree as Bachelor of Science from Cornell University. He was President of his College Senior Class, Associate Editor of the Cornell Countryman, and Chancellor of the Alpha Zeta Fraternity, and Agricultural Tech- nical Fraternity. Name? Harold M. Stanley.
Following his graduation he was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture in New England and South Carolina. After this he engaged in the retail milk business in Syracuse. Following his military service of World War I, he and his father purchased Lucerne Farm, 150 acres over-looking Skaneateles Lake. His mother was a dignified, cultured lady. In the June, 1937, National Grange Monthly Mr. Stanley paid her this simple but effective tribute:
"Mother," he wrote, "is one of those 'gritty folks' we hear about, born in a log house in the woods and always doing hard
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work, but keeping young at it." These parents endowed Mr. Stanley with wit and grit, marked characteristics that have played no small part in his career.
Some live-wire Skaneateles Patron asked Mr. Stanley to join the Grange. He was vastly amused at the first degree as ren- dered until he reached the Steward's station. Memorized, the charge was delivered impressively. Suddenly, the candidate saw the vast acreage of our Grange Farm. From then on he was a Grange member. Such was the influence of an alert Steward. Such was the power of a brief portion of the ritual, given by an officer who looked the candidate straight in the eye.
Mr. Stanley did not take just one stride from the altar of Skaneateles Grange No. 458 to the State Secretary's office. In 1925 he was Skaneateles Grange Master; 1928-30, its Secretary; 1929, Onondaga Pomona Master; 1930-33, County Deputy. During this training period, Mr. Stanley also gave distinctive emphasis to the various charges assigned him. The path Mr. Stanley was to follow was not entirely one of roses. The Chinese have a say- ing: "Great ability is made by overcoming small difficulties." Difficulties were in store, and the record testifies as to abilities developed.
When Harold Stanley came to choose a wife, he found her in Skaneateles, and a wise choice it was, in gracious Louisa Loveless. He made no mistake in his life partner. For many years his wife has been his "right 'hand lady," in every way.
His preparation for Grange leadership had yet another factor which made him well-known to Patrons of the Empire State. 1930 saw him Drill Master in nearly thirty special sessions held around New York State, including the special Sixth Degree session at Rochester, National Grange session. New York State Patrons came to know him very well, and when the election of 1934, Lake Placid, rolled around, Harold Stanley was installed in the secre- tarial office, "with duties most arduous of all."
These duties are manifold. His office (now identified as State Grange Headquarters, since so much of value is transacted there), is at the Stanley farm. Mail is delivered daily in a mail sack. Annually from his office are mailed out at least 7,000 first class letters; 2,000 second class, and, including 1,600 Journals of Pro- ceedings, and 1,600 State Grange Directories, 6,600 fourth class material, minimum statement. This is an activity of size.
Silver Star and Golden Sheaf data is recorded and certificate applications verified by the State Secretary. The total issued as reported at the 1960 Watertown session is: Silver Star (twenty- five year membership) 52,768; and 5,612 Golden Sheaf Certificates (fifty year), in this State.
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State Grange resolutions, officers reports, minutes of sessions, names of Sixth Degree candidates and much more must be com- piled and edited in the Journal of Proceedings. At State sessions the Secretary is not only the recording officer but is constantly alert to check developments so that the delegate body does not contradict itself as to action of former years. Between State ses- sions the Secretary attends Executive Committee meetings and responsible decisions are required.
Practically all State Grange income from various sources passes through the Secretary's hands to the State Treasurer as occasion demands. All is subject to audit. An evaluation of the Secretary's place in history would be incomplete without men- tion of variation from year to year in contrasting eras. In 1936 the annual dues per subordinate member to the State Grange were $.09 per quarter, or $.36 per year. In 1950 the dues raised to $.15 quarterly or $.60 annual. In 1955, the delegates voted a raise per quarter from $.20 to $.27 per member, or $1.08 yearly. The 1960 delegate vote meant an increase to $.37 per quarter, or $1.48 per year per member. Such increases meant increased revenue to State and National Granges. The last increase included the new "Empire State Granger" sent to each Grange family, and other needs. At the 1957 Corning session Secretary Stanley reported: "While I was looking back over the years (23), I found that I have personally collected funds for the State Grange in the amount of $2,081,459.12, and in addition have sent the National Grange over $31,000 for Sixth Degree fees. We have issued 31,000 Sixth Degree Certificates and mailed them to candidates during this time."
In regard to membership, Mr. Stanley affirmed: "Nearly every Grange could make a net gain just on reinstatements alone. Every one of such members is in debt to the Grange for the good things the Grange has done for him, and every one added to our rolls is added power in building a better rural life."
The multiple secretarial duties have wide range. Mr. Stanley is a member of the New York State Conference Board of Farm Organizations. He has served on the Advertising, Public Rela- tions, Membership and Research Committees of the National American Dairy Association. When the Empire Livestock Market- ing Cooperative was organized in 1946, he was Vice-President and is now a member of its Operating and Public Relations Com- mittee.
During the Administration of Governor Thomas E. Dewey, Mr. Stanley was Chairman of the Industrial Authority of the New York State Fair; Governor Nelson Rockefeller appointed him a member of the same group, and also appointed him a member of the Temporary Commission on Revision and Simplification of the Constitution of New York State. Appointed by the Board of Re-
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gents of New York, Secretary Stanley is a member of the Ad- visory Council of Education Practice Act.
He serves as Director of: Farmers and Traders Insurance Company, and Onondaga County Patrons Fire Association, also Commissioner of Onondaga War Memorial Auditorium.
The National Grange Monthly of July, 1939, had an interest- ing item: "Never has the standing of the Grange as an educational factor in national life been more impressively emphasized than by the fact that The National Grange has been invited to partici- pate in the deliberations of the World Congress on Education for Democracy, at Columbia University, New York. Harold Stanley of Skaneateles was appointed by National Master Louis J. Taber as one of a committee of twenty-eight Grange leaders to meet with representative educators."
When the Rural Radio Foundation was established in 1949 Mr. Stanley was its President, and he also served as Director of Rural Radio Network.
Mr. Stanley's viewpoint as to these multiple responsibilities was given at the 1957 Corning session:
"Looking back over the years (23) that I have been in this office, I note that the duties of the office have continuously in- creased. Over the years several important appointments have come to me because of the office I have held. These various assignments have been in many fields but all related to agri- culture. Such important duties as serving as the chairman of the Emergency Food Commission during the war, (1943-44) have carried with them many important responsibilities. At the pre- sent time I am serving as the President of the American Dairy Association of New York and the Secretary of the National Organization. I pause to state that all of these outside demands upon the time and energy of the secretary have been without salary."
Mr. Stanley places the credit for these various opportunities for service squarely at the door of the Grange. "It is the GRANGE that has been recognized," he said. Always our Grange, the State Farm, has been in the forefront of Mr. Stanley's vision. Always the welfare of country people has loomed large. We quote him: "There is no end to the good a man can do if he doesn't care who gets the credit."
Among Mr. Stanley's most important responsibilities are those connected with Skaneateles Presbyterian Church, where he serves as both trustee and Elder. Therein is the basic back- ground of service. In the words of Dr. Eric Faigle, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Syracuse University: "History has proven that the people who endure are those with the strongest spiritual
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resources." That is just as true of the individual. The source of strength is spiritual.
If we measure success honestly it must be by the gauge of human relations. The following illustrations give Mr. Stanley's sensivity in this direction close connection with the Grange, His viewpoint in the July 1942 National Grange Monthly depict an outlook often ignored:
"Service Flags are appearing in numerous Grange Halls and we find many of our young men in service. Many others are serving in the army of production. I sometimes fear that their praises are not sung as loudly as for those in the military service. It would be a grand thing if we could make our young folks feel they are equally patriotic if they remain at home and shoulder the important responsibility of production. Remember that with- out our production there could come no peace."
Four German Grange Exchange students found a home with Mr. and Mrs. Stanley. An international romance developed when wedding bells rang out for the marriage of Mrs. Stanley's nephew to a young lady from Latvia who worked in the office of the Sec- retary for a year.
In his last annual report as State Master, Henry Sherwood stated: "Coming as I did to this office without too much know- ledge of the inner workings of the Grange, I found I needed help and counsel many times ... I especially want to single out one man who has probably done more for me than any other indi- vidual during these eight years, and that person is Harold Stan- ley. His advice and counsel have always been given willingly and I want to state this publicly."
The esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Stanley are held was vividly brought out at the 1959 Elmira session, when at the con- clusion of the State Lecturer's Monday evening program a silver background was affixed to "The Silver Rug" in honor of over twenty-five years of service of the State Secretary. State Master Smith presented Mr. Stanley with a gift from the State Grange, and Mrs. Smith presented Mrs. Stanley with roses. Following the meeting, a reception was tendered Mr. and Mrs. Stanley at the Hotel "Mark Twain."
A long time ago Ralph Waldo Emerson said: " 'Tis pitiful the things by which we are rich or poor. A matter of coins and car- pets, a little more or less of stone and wood and paint; like the naked Indians, of whom one is proud in possession of a glass bead or a red feather, and the rest miserable for the want of it.'" It is crystal clear that Mr. and Mrs. Stanley can count their wealth in something more than a "glass bead or a red feather," -- in the glowing badge of human service.
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3. TREASURERS
JOHN KLEIS, Hamburg:
William Shakespeare, in King Richard III, pointed out, “An honest tale speeds best being plainly told." The Grange life story of John Kleis, honest tale that it is, needs no embellishment. We will tell it plainly.
John Kleis, New York State Grange Treasurer, held office longer than any officer elected to any position in New York State Grange. During the final twenty-four years, (the first decade is not included) Mr. Kleis handled over two million dollars of State Grange income, derived from various sources, such as fees, dues and interest. In later years urged repeatedly to accept a more commensurate salary, he refused any but the very nominal $400.00 per annum. In 1955 he reluctantly allowed it to be raised to $500.00. His daughter Pearl, his very efficient Assistant Treasurer, received the munificent fee of $50.00 per year, quite an honor- arium. The hours they spent were far more than a gesture toward Grange investment.
Prior to his election as State Grange Treasurer, he was Master of Erie County Pomona Grange, 1922-23. Now let us take a look at the man.
John Kleis-farmer-banker. It was his delight to return to his farm after banking hours and ride the tractor, preparing soil, cultivating crops. Back of the Kleis homestead were long rows of apples and grapevines. Francis Foy, of Denmark Grange No. 535, member of State Audit Committee, (1956-61) tells us of a happy experience he and Winfield Kelsey, Theresa Grange No. 60, his committee associate, had after the annual audit meeting at the Kleis farm. As they were leaving, John Kleis directed them to leave by the back drive. There, waiting, were two baskets of luscious grapes.
Theirs was not only a fruit farm. John Kleis kept cows, too. Ida Kleis, John's wife, made butter just as many another fine farm woman has done. Thus she had kinship with other farm wives. Ida and John Kleis joined Hamburg Grange No. 1293 in 1913. She was its treasurer for twenty-four years.
In the January, 1939, National Grange Monthly, we noted another interesting item: John Kleis was then Vice-President of the Erie County Agricultural Society. "In 1938," said the Monthly, "Erie County Pomona Grange planted a tree on the fairgrounds near the building in which the Grange exhibits were annually placed. An impressive ceremony marked the event. John Kleis was a principal speaker. Another was George Abbott, Presi- dent of the Society and only surviving charter member of Ham-
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burg Grange, organized in 1874. Erie County Subordinate Granges also had the habit of planting trees and landscaping effectively." No doubt John Kleis had a hand in this also.
John Kleis, banker, had an unblemished reputation for exact integrity. He had the confidence of everyone. His name stood for trust-worthiness, which stood in good stead in his work as State Grange Treasurer. He was well qualified to recommend the wisest investments of State Grange moneys. His unusually competent work is illustrated by the following true story: His State Grange record books were filled, and required replacement. Originally purchased in Watertown, the firm was given the order for the new books. In order to duplicate form, they requested to see the originals. They examined them, and expressed amaze- ment. There was not one error, not one erasure to be found. They were perfectly executed.
The Kleis farm family was such a happy one. Holidays were gala, joyous occasions. The National Grange Monthly of March, 1951, presented a fine picture of John and Ida Kleis, together with an account of the golden wedding reception tendered them in Hamburg Grange Hall, with 150 guests. Clarence and Pearl Kleis Gates were host and hostess. The Monthly said: "Always active in civic, political and fraternal affairs in the community, Mr. Kleis is at present a town councilman."
During his long illness of the summer of 1957, Mr. Kleis was the recipient of hundreds of letters and tokens of affection. At the conclusion of his many years as Treasurer, at the Corning session, the Deputies Association presented him with a portable radio. One of the rare ovations ever given a State officer was deservedly given John Kleis at that time.
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